Coppell's shock as Downes in dock but not Warnock

Steve Coppell admits he is surprised by the Football Association’s decision to charge Reading coach Wally Downes with improper conduct yet take no further action against Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock.

Steve Coppell admits he is surprised by the Football Association’s decision to charge Reading coach Wally Downes with improper conduct yet take no further action against Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock.

The FA yesterday also charged both clubs with failing to control their players and officials following the mass touchline confrontation during the second half of Reading’s 3-1 victory on Saturday.

Although Warnock won’t face any formal disciplinary action, he has been reminded of his responsibilities.

Coppell has thrown his support behind Downes and ruled out any club punishment. The pair will sit down together today to discuss their next move.

While Reading may feel they have little choice but to accept the charges, they will plead mitigating circumstances and ask for personal hearings.

They have until February 7 to make such a request.

Coppell told the Evening Post: “I said after the game that we would abide by whatever the FA decided. But I will sit and have a chat with Wally today and then we’ll make a decision on what we do, but I have to say I am slightly surprised by the weighting of the charge.”

The bitter touchline bust-up was sparked by Sheffield United substitute Keith Gillespie’s dismissal for catching Stephen Hunt in the face with an arm.

Gillespie, who has since handed in a transfer request to the Blades, has admitted a charge of violent conduct, but has asked for a personal hearing.

His mandatory three-match ban could be doubled as he took another swipe at Hunt after being shown the red card.

Downes shoved Warnock after the Blades boss made a stamping motion and made a comment which Reading interpreted as an instruction to his players to seek retribution for an an earlier foul by Royals’ Steve Sidwell on Chris Armstrong.

Those claims have been denied by Warnock, but Reading are concerned by the lack of detail in referee Mark Halsey’s report, which leaves questions unanswered as to what was actually said.

Warnock already has a four-match ban hanging over him for an altercation with Leeds United boss Kevin Blackwell at the end of last season.